The ULTIMATE Apple Home vs. Google Home vs. Amazon Alexa Smart Home Comparison
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- Опубліковано 21 жов 2024
- So which is the best smart home platform? Do you go with the walled garden of Apple Home, the omnipresent Google Home or the vending machine-like Amazon Alexa? As of right now, Apple Home is the most polished smart home platform, followed by Alexa and then Google.
I've spent $1000's of dollars in the last few months getting a gaggle of different smart home devices and this video is a result of my testing all those different devices on different smart home platforms.
If you've been following the different Parts of this video, here's a handy TOC to help jump to the sections you haven't seen yet.
Hardware Setup: • The ULTIMATE Apple Hom...
Home Control Apps: • The ULTIMATE Apple Hom...
Smart Home Automations: • The ULTIMATE Apple Hom...
Data Privacy: • The ULTIMATE Apple Hom...
Security: • The ULTIMATE Apple Hom...
Remote access: • The ULTIMATE Apple Hom...
Voice control: • The ULTIMATE Apple Hom...
The Fundamental Problem: • The ULTIMATE Apple Hom...
Hardware Setup
It takes 7 steps to install a device in Amazon Alexa, 6 steps in Google Home and 1 in Apple Home. In Apple Home, all you have to do is install the accessory is plug-in/install the accessory, goto the Home App and line up the HomeKit code. You don’t even need to install the manufacturers app to use the device.
Apps & Automation
When it comes to the app, from a smart home perspective, the Apple Home is better. Why? Because I don’t want to verbalize everything I want to do to my home. Apple Home allows me to control all the devices using Siri but you can also toggle them on/off in the Home App. You can’t do that with Amazon Alexa or Google Home, you have to use the manufacturer’s own app to toggle the device.
When it comes to creating automations, the Apple Home again comes on top. Why? Because automations are baked directly into the app. I don’t need to sign up for another service like IFTTT and Stringify to make my devices talk to each other.
Data privacy & Security
The Amazon Alexa and Google Home are always listening. I have no idea what they are recording or not recording. It’s nice to know they are always there but there is a level of uncertainty of what they are actually doing.
Apple Home encrypts everything. Your requests are encrypted. The data stored about your home is encrypted so it sounds like it would be harder for somebody to figure out what you’re asking Siri to do in your home.
However, at the end of the day, if you don’t care much about your personal data, this isn’t going to be a big deal.
When it comes to overall security, Apple again has the upper hand as they claim everything is encrypted. For Amazon’s and Google’s smart home setup, I have to rely heavily on 3rd party services who might not be as invested in protecting my information as Apple is.
Remote Access
Apple Home offers the best remote access. Everything runs through iCloud and the Home app. You don't have to deal with 3rd party services at all.
With Amazon Alexa, you can verbally tell the AI to turn appliances on and off but it can’t handle queries about the status of the appliances. For me, the most awkward part is opening the Amazon shopping app in order to use Alexa. I can’t use Alexa in my Amazon Alexa app.
Google Home gives you a big fat bagel for remote access.
Voice Control
For Voice Control, I personally prefer Alexa. Because it's more natural to give a command without saying "Hey" like you do with Siri. In my opinion, "Hey" is part of a question where A or B can happen. It feels like I'm giving Siri an option to disobey my command which is ridiculous.
"Ok Google" is a problem on its own. Why? At least Amazon and Apple tried to give a personality to their AI. "Ok Google" is so bland and emotionless. "Ok Google" sounds awkward to me because I never use "Ok" as part of a sentence. I use "Ok" as an acknowledgement, not as a word to start a command with.
The Fundamental Problem
So here’s the fundamental problem with the current state of smart homes. In a nutshell, you can’t turn something “dumb” “smart” in one step. The majority of the appliances in our homes aren’t meant to be smart. I can buy all these gadgets to automate my house but at the end of the day my home isn’t going to be Jetson-esque.
There’s a break in the entire smart home automation process. If you turn the lamp off, you can't turn on your smart light bulbs. To automate your kettle, you need to turn on your kettle first and plug it into a smart plug that's turned off. Do you see the break in logic? I am sure it will get better over time and I’m pointing this out because I want to ensure that you understand the limits of the smart homes right now.
So if this video was helpful to you, give it a thumbs up and if you’re planning on getting some smart home gadgets, consider going through my links as it helps me makes future videos.
For those who have watched the first four parts, here's a quick link to the fundamental problem: ua-cam.com/video/xOOVP23wP94/v-deo.html
SmartHomeReviews You can make a smart switch yourself by using a NodeMCU, raspberry pi and dumb light switch.
The thing is, is that we would need apple products in order to to use the apple home, the organization you see in order to make the items in your home easier to find and use, can only be seen on apple
SmartHomeReviewsEh 7
You are full of it fanboy!!
You have a 2019-20 update.?
Man, that dog really pays attention. I'm sure he will be able to set up HomeKit devices soon. 😂😂. By the way, I love the collar and tie on the doggie. Great video... thanks for sharing. ES
Monty is pretty awesome. Thanks for watching.
The dog needs his own channel
Yes!
The dog is so calm.
Woof! - Monty
treats (that is all to it)
Big respect for this guy. So much work with no sponsors
“Monte” is a great co-host! He’s attentive, well dressed, and well mannered! Good informative video. Two👍🏾👍🏾one for each of you...lol
Omg, that dog 😍
That’s the most detailed review I have seen. Finally, a review that looks at usability and its day to day. I agree with the light switch issue! First time my thoughts resonated with a reviewer!
Wait a second, did you really criticize Google's cross-platform support because their iPhone app doesn't work well, when Apple doesn't even have a Homekit app for Android at all? How does that make sense?
because apple can do no wrong .......... gotta love a review from a apple sheep
I was looking for this comment! Didn't take long to find.
I was thinking the same thing. Did he actually say that? :)
I was shocked, as well lol.
he also said alexa and google are always listening while apple only listens when it hears the wake word... shame he didn't monitor his network traffic there as he would see the keywords work the same on all three devices. So yeah, apple can do no wrong... even if it works the same way.
Thumbs up for the dog in a tie alone. The rest of the video was good too
I like the dog with the tie😂👍
Ok you made a point, the puppy's face @18:24 when he had a choice to not obey you is priceless :D
could you update for 2019 amazon, google and Apple products??
Why do you have a go at Google Home for not working on your iPhone, but you give Apple Home a free pass for not supporting Android devices at all?
That's a very good point. Thanks for pointing that out. I'd rather having Google not try at all than having it release a half-baked app.
@@SmartHomeReviewsEh well Apple is half baked too.
11:25 watch the face of the co-host. He’s like “Ball-Gag!” 😳😮🤭 I quit
😂🤣😭
I love Monty. He looks like a very classy dog.
The Dog was thinking, "I need to take my human on a walk, he's talking to himself again when no one's here."
At 02:26 , your dog -> “dude chill”!!!
“Hey Monte, can you... possibly lay down?
Monte: “wtf is wrong with you??”
😂😂
“Joking about ball gags” sure, sure, that’s the context google is hearing it in ;-) :-D
Great review! Not sure why I didn't subscribe to the channel sooner! Btw, that bit at 18:22, where you say, "Hey, could you possibly sit? Hey Monty, can you lay down?.....his facial expression is hilarious! So funny! How did you not break character through that? I've rewound that part and watched it a dozen times and laughed out loud every time! Thanks!
Several YT channels I watch have a pet sidekick but Monty is killin it! He’s so awesome that he’s kinda stealing the show tbh. Great content 👍 Your channel has helped me lot with my new smart home adventures often misadventures.
Thumbs up! Love how Monty was looking at you when you were talking about ball gags! LOL
you seem to be very biased toward apple.....apple can do no wrong in this review!
Based on my experience, Apple has the better system right now. Not as many gadgets but their platform is better than Amazon and Google's setup.
SmartHomeReviewsEh siri is better than google? Lol what
SmartHomeReviewsEh Then say that you are evaluatin the *Setup* only, not the whole experience.
Your dog and his tie are the star of the show! :) I suggest you put that collar/necktie combo as links on every video. That will generate more revenue than anything!
Yes Monte is the coolest! Great video by the way, but Monte is the cutest!! He seems to be just sitting there paying attention. LOL!!!
Monty is the star! Love the tie, collar and his concentration.
Got to say, I laughed pretty hard at the worried look on Monty's face when you were mentioning "ball gags" (11:25) lol. Thanks for the videos, I've found them very helpful. Off to place an order through your Amazon link.
Glad I could help!
Ball gags. Heh.
YESS! You need your dog in every video.
Fantastic! One of the most valuable Videos I have seen in the last year, subject not withstanding. Thank you.
That "hey" part was gold :D very accurate.
I agree with saying Hey before Siri, it is not the best! I’m glad you brought that up!
First and last video that I see from this guy... This apple fan boys...
There is no doubt you are that dog's master.
That dog kills me!
This was all the questions i had :! Perfect Video :: Thumb up!
I really like your clips, very informative and you are always well prepared. I love your dog too! Well, I am guessing he is your Dog!!
i thing the dog thinks you are crazy, he look like he is wondering who you are talking to. nice review .
, 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂
You are totally wrong about not being about to toggle in the Google home app... I can toggle all of my switches in the Google app
Everybody watch this video about Apple Home Pod
ua-cam.com/video/5UWCjdDXMOU/v-deo.html
He is Apple user.... Everyone knows google home much better than Apple on that but Apple user always like to show off... Duh
So what if Homekit Setup on Apple TV just doesn't work? You can't fix it. Plus try setting up Apple TV Homekit without an iOS Device, again, not possible.
That Dog..... Soooo adorable 🥰🥰🥰
Cute dog! Have you tried SmartThings or WinkHub 2? They do the same as what you said about Homekit but you are not locked into a single ecosystem. Google Home handles search better than all other platforms hands down while both Google Home and Amazon Alexa now also allow you to make calls and message via voice as well as control chromecast/fire tv. I guess it all depends on which ecosystem you are invested in. As for security I don't think any company can 100% guarantee anything. You may use Apple hardware products but I am pretty sure alot of people are using google/amazon software on top (search, youtube, docs, shopping) so they know everything they need to about you anyways.
Duc Nguyen good point. I dig apple products but when it comes to home automation, I've been using Samsung smartthings with google home and I love it. Very simple and very easy to use.
Loved the auto order on the tissue bit. Thanks for your insight. :)
I’d love to see an update to this two years later
Greatly appreciated! Made me happier owning AAPL stock. Thanks for taking all that time to compare products! Best,
So relevant and unbiased. Talking like a user not somebody ambassador
Thank you for the information you provide. Is interesting because when Bets Buy’s Insignia closed their smart home division, my HomeKit Insignia smart light switch still works with HomeKit but I can’t set it up anymore with Alexa. Thank you.
Nothing against your comparison but you criticize google for having to use an android device, all while praising apple, when apple has pretty much made a living with keeping people in their ecosystem. you can only use apple homekit on an apple devices. So you basically just contradicted yourself. I can use alexa or google home, depending on which one i use, with far more devices than apples homekit.
I think the point he is getting at is more so that it is advertised that you can use it on an Apple device, but he was unable to get it working on there. If Apple said you could use HomeKit on Android devices and it wasn't working on there, that would be a similar issue.
Wow, just noticed that #applefanboi
I think that everyone pretty much knows that Apple stuff is Apple-specific so it doesn’t need explicating aaaaand Google studios is advertised to work on Apple, so.
Thanks for the great vid. With the Apple Homekit, can control security cameras, lights, and thermostat in my Nashville home from Brooklyn if I have an Apple TV?
Love your videos man... you have great content... and yes, I have to agree with everyone else.. your dog is so cute...
Right on the money man! I always check UA-cam for reviews and usually don’t succeed. This was a pleasant surprise resource Though no recent videos?
Delivery is straight to the point, honest, (you’re As unbiased as any established Apple user can possibly be lol ;)), clear about sources , and pretty objective even in your personal opinions. I’m Surprised this video was posted three years ago and there isn’t an updated one?
This may be old video and things weren't updated when he reviewed the products but this guy sounds like a fan boy... Google home is truly the simplest and most controllable one I have used
OMG there is a dog with a tie reviewing tech awsome. He looks like he is reviewing your presentation skills like a driving instructor would at a final test.
I love the doggie!! BTW great review!!
Great review that gives plenty of insight and food for thought. Thanks.
Many of the "problems" you have with Alexa and Google Home are a non-issue if you consider using a SmartThings hub. Additionally, you open up the possibility of using many z-wave compatible devices which tend to be much more inexpensive.
For example, z-wave compatible light switches are much more inexpensive than other "smart" switches and also more reliable than using a smart bulb, considering that you can use the switch even after the internet goes down. Additionally, you can buy a z-wave thermostat for $60 vs the $200+ for a nest. The list goes on...
With the SmartThings app, you have a centralized place to control all your products and they're also much easier to add.
In summary, there are clearly some neat things that apple is doing in the smart home space but I think you're writing things off before understanding the versatility and value the other platforms have to offer. I think that explains most of the frustration people have with this video. Otherwise, your filming, editing, and review organization are fantastic. You just need to spend some more time researching and understanding the smart home market before making a verdict.
Thx for the comment.
SmartThing devices also had all kinds of bad security issues!!!! FOr example,
www.forbes.com/sites/thomasbrewster/2016/02/17/samsung-smartthings-vulnerabilities/#4602b7967d09
mashable.com/2016/05/02/smartthings-hack/#ShfJzs8UGgqy
iotsecurity.eecs.umich.edu/
Excellent video. Thank you so much. As someone who's new to this, this was the most informative and logically structured video I've come across. Excellent delivery. Thumbs up for the elegant pooch :) Subscribed.
Thanx for the video and I love Montys outfit !
Very helpful to hear a broad view of smart homes in 2017, thx for the video
Is it still a one step setup procedure for Apple Home if you don't own an iPad or iPhone?
Another problem with "Hey Siri" I found is that it sometimes wakes up when I say to someone "Are you serious?".
Subscribed, great information, thanks! I was planning on going Apple Home but Alexa had a bunch of gadgets announced at CES this year. Do you thing Apple Homekit will catch up to the number of devices? I wan't to go all-in with Apple but just slightly worried that Alexa or Google will have more available. What do you think?
"Apple Home better than Alexa and Google" 😂😂 are you serious
Hello
Thanks for your review.
I want to deal with my motorised shutters using HomeKit
Do you have an idea of compatible products ?
Thanks
Cyril
If I ever bought one of these objects would you have to buy a new one to update them or is it just on the app or does it just update itself ? Thank u for this great video
A new one of what? Some smart devices will update on their own. Some will through the app. It depends on the device if it's something rarely needs to be updated. Or actually Updated. My Smart Switches have never been updated, but the new Ecobee 4 I just got gets regular firmware updates. The Ring Doorbeen is a SmartThings device. It gets updated on it's own when it needs it. Other SmartThings devices are piss poor security and will never see a update.
Great quality reviews as always!
Thanks for the review. l was confused which way to go but l will go with apple now since l already have an imac and iphone and l want to use a system that is easy to set up and simple to use.
Thank you for a very well explained video! Indeed I also believe smarthome isn’t there yet! I hope that in the future you will upload a video what is the best smarthome set up with wich products and software.
I think your dog is freaking out because he thinks you are talking to yourself! lol
The best informational gadget reviews I've seen in awhile. This guy seems like he knows what he's saying, he used all three products, & he have the technology knowledge to know what's wrong, & or what's not wrong. what needs to be fixed by which manufacturer. Ill watch this video again. very informative. I'll also give you a thumbs up, & I also click the Bell, & I'll subscribe. you got a new subscriber Bro.
If you use a multi-hub such as the Samsung Smart Things, the Amazon steps are reduced to three steps for supported platforms. A previous hub, the Wink II hub had more products support, but decided to change from a free to a pay per month platform, losing many users.
Good vid, think I’ll wait another year or so for them to get everything right
Love your dog...he is so cute...thank you for the information, I subscribed.
I think there is an idea in the initiation command to imply your assistant is a partner, not a servant. This changes how you interact with it and would likely have more patience with it than you would a servant. Just a thought.
i came to a similar conclusion and watching your video reaffirmed my conclusion...thanks bud
Interesting video. Can you please post the link to the Monte Smart Dog? I've looked everywhere and I can't find it.
love that dog
I watched your video to update my knowledge on smart devices and at the end I just think I need a MONTY
i got a lot of stuff from nest. 4 cameras and the termostat..... should i sell them and buy homkit stuff?
I love Monty!!! He was hilarious to watch!!!
Your dog is in love with you. LOL
TFW you're forced to go to office with dad.
Very good review. I would really love to install some smart devices in my newly constructed home so I've been looking at lots of reviews and videos. I was wondering if the Apple Home is more along the lines of a hub like Samsung Smart Things or Wink. Any way I still alot confused about where to start. Keep up the good work and you have a new subscriber. By the way, as others have said you dog is way cool and very attentive. 😀
Homekit is Apple's Home automation standard. The same type of thing as Samsung's SmartThings or Wink or the old X11, I used years ago. Homekit has better security. Everything is Encrypted. It's simple to set up. You can do a lot of things without having to use something like IFTTT. But you need to be an Apple house!!! So iPhones, if you want it to work outside your local network, as in on the Internet no matter where you are, you need a AppleTV as your Hub. Or a iPad though You wouldn't be able to take your iPad away from your house. AppleTV is the better solution. Besides really being the best streaming Box I think, even though I have a number of other devices.
If you're a Android house, Homekit is worthless for you. Go you can go Google Home, or Amazon Alexa and use SmartThing and other types of devices. So you need to figure out why kind of a house you are, and what type of things you want to control. Then you need to see what hardware you can get that you can control with whatever system you go with. Some things like my new EcoBee 4, I havn't installed yet, supports Homekit, SmartThings, Amazon Alexa, and IFTTT. So I'll connect it into my Homekit System, but it has built in Alexa, so I can ask it the same type of things you would one of Amazon's Echo devices. Even though SIRI works quite well and I almost always control everything wiht my Apple Watch and Siri.
If I went Android in the future, which I don't see ever happening, but if I did, most of the stuff I have won't work with Android. It's homekit only. It could be the other way around also. The Ecobee will work with pretty much any setup. So that's someting else to keep in mind.
I have a Google home mini that I really don't use anymore because it would not work like I wanted to with Phillips hue bulbs even though I programmed every bulb. I found that they had a problem working with my smartthings hub which showed the bulbs as duplicate. I didn't want to deal with it anymore so I just use my phone which suprisingly everything works with google assistant on my phone. Thanks for the video.
Thank you for spending the time and money to share with us
It’s been a few years since this review so I wanted to ask if Apple’s continued drop of third party vender support after only a couple of years affected your opinion? Or has it affected anything for HomeKit you use?
Could you do a 2019 update? What is your opinion today? Regards from Brazil.
This was such a great video, very insightful. We need an update, lol
Loved it, watched the whole thing. Great job, but Montie steals the show :)
What are your thoughts on other apps like Elan or Control 4. Are they in the same category as these three? Would like to know your views.
Great video. Enjoyed all the information provided and the relaxed conversational style. I've enjoyed using smart home products for several years now. Once you start with a brand, you tend to stick with it, so it's great that you broke down all the brand options so well.
Great Review! And Monty is SO adorable!!!
I like saying "hey Siri" more than "Alexa" because I like the idea that Siri could or couldn't do what you want her to do. As if she's alive.
Your dog looks like a co-host!
that dog is 'effin adorable!
would love an updated video of this Comparison
Great “comparison “ as long as you like prefer Apple.
I prefer Google
Your dog is AMAZING and very smart!!! :-)
Hey man. I was hoping you could do a review or a video just explaining how easy the different systems are to use with multiple people. Ex: how easy will it be to set up a smart home on Apple's Home Kit for both my wife and I. Will it be just as easy as adding her or is there some more complicated setup so that she also has control. Just a video about multi -user smart home usage in general would be nice. Thanks. I loved the video.
Nice review, love the dog. Are you still doing reviews? This one is from 2017. Thanks